asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the 30 miles per hour speed limit signs on the main road approach to Leixlip from Maynooth have been turned parallel to the roadway for several months past; why they were left in that position; and if he will have them rectified immediately and have steps taken by all local authorities to rectify without delay all traffic signs and sign posts which are unlawfully interfered with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Speed Limits.
29.
Mr. Ryan
I take it that the particular signs to which the Deputy refers are on the Leixlip road outside Maynooth. I understand that one (not two) of the signs was turned and has in fact been set right, but I am not aware that it was turned for any long period. I have already reminded local authorities of the importance of the proper maintenance of speed limit signs. I do not think it necessary to issue a further general reminder to them at this stage. The matter will be borne in mind when the present review of speed limits on arterial roads is being put into effect.
30.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to have a speed limit applied in the town of Rush, County Dublin.
31.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Local Government when he will give a decision on the recommendation which the Dublin Corporation made in November 1963 that the speed limit on Sarsfield Road, Inchicore, Dublin be reduced from 40 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour.
32.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Local Government when he will give a decision on the recommendation which the Dublin Corporation made in November 1963 that the speed limit on the Long Mile Road, Walkinstown, Dublin be reduced from 40 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 30, 31 and 32 together.
Many recommendations for the amendment of the Road Traffic (Speed Limits) Regulations, 1963, were received from technical committees throughout the country, including the technical committee for Dublin city and county. Examination of these recommendations, however, has revealed a lack of uniformity and a consequent need for further investigation. In the time available it has been necessary for the present to limit this investigation to what are commonly known as the arterial routes. It therefore covered routes, such as the Long Mile Road. It is hoped to have amending regulations affecting these routes made in the near future. As neither Sarsfield Road nor the village of Rush is on an arterial route, they do not come within the present review. They will, however, come up for consideration in a review of all other roads in towns and villages during next year.
Is the Minister aware of the dangerous conditions, particularly on the Long Mile Road? A number of school children come out on to that road and pedestrian wardens cannot possibly control the traffic. Will the Minister use his influence with the Corporation to get the job of building that road under way?
The Long Mile Road is one of those which are, in fact, being dealt with presently. I mentioned the others because, since they are not arterial roads, they may therefore be delayed some little time longer. The Long Mile Road is being dealt with at present.